Minimum Contraceptive Coverage Requirements Clarified by HHS Guidance

New HHS clarification on ACA contraceptive coverage requirement specifies that insurance plans must cover at no cost to women all of the 18 contraceptive methods approved by the FDA. If a provider recommends a specific option or product, plans must cover it at no cost as well.

Minimum Contraceptive Coverage Requirements Clarified by HHS Guidance

Contraceptive Method

Products/Options

Must Cover

Surgical sterilization

Also called tubal ligation

√

Implant sterilization

Only Essure available

√

Implantable Rod

Multiple

√ at least 1

IUD – Copper

Only ParaGard available

√

IUD – Progestin

Multiple

√ at least 1

Injection

Multiple

√ at least 1 (may be generic)

Oral contraceptives – combined

Multiple

√ at least 1 (may be generic)

Oral Contraceptives – progestin only

Multiple

√ at least 1 (may be generic)

Oral Contraceptives – extended/continuous use

Multiple

√ at least 1 (may be generic)

Patch

Multiple**

√ at least 1 (may be generic)

Vaginal Ring

Only NuvaRing available

√

Diaphragm with Spermicide

Only Milex Omniflex available

√

Sponge with Spermicide

Only Today Sponge available

√*

Cervical Cap with Spermicide

Only FemCap available

√

Female Condom

Multiple

√*

Spermicide alone

Multiple

√ at least 1 (may be generic)*

Emergency Contraception-Progestin

Multiple

√ at least 1 (may be generic)*

Emergency Contraception- Ulipristal Acetate

Only ella available

√

*Approved for sale over-the-counter but only covered at no cost with a prescription.
**The manufacturer of the brand name (OrthoEvra) patch has discontinued production and the generic alternative will be the only patch available.
SOURCES: FDA, Birth Control Guide and Depts of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Treasury, FAQs about Affordable Care Act Implementation (Part XXVI).